Womb transplant a step closer after Swedish breakthrough

WOMB transplants could become the next major step in infertility treatment after Swedish researchers made a breakthrough in the experimental medical procedure, Sweden's Sydsvenskan daily newspaper reported Sunday.

Researchers at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, 400km southwest of Stockholm, tested the procedure on rats in a new project investigating womb transplants.

The receiver rats were able to fall pregnant and give birth to offspring with no apparent problems.

Researcher Lisa Johannesson said the procedure could give hope to women unable to have children.

"There is an alternative to surrogacy or adoption," she said.

The procedure has been successfully performed on mice, rats, sheep and pigs.

The transplant will now be attempted on baboons in final animal tests before human trials begin.

The team hope the procedure will become a medical reality within two years.